Don't let drought conditions drain common sense

Tuesday

Jun 21, 2011 at 12:03 AM

Beaufort County was upgraded to "moderate" drought conditions last week by the South Carolina Drought Response Committee.

It's easy to see why. Just look at any of the retention ponds in any one of the many planned developments around Bluffton. Many are low, even with some of the recent quick-hitting rain storms we've seen.

The purpose of the moderate declaration is to increase awareness that drought conditions are intensifying, according to the S.C. Department of Natural Resources. Water systems are asked to review their Drought Response Plans and Ordinances and implement as needed. The committee also hopes that the drought status increase will bring attention to the increased wildfire activity and will encourage the public to be cautious with any outdoor burning activity.

The Bluffton Township Fire District issued a burning ban but lifted it following last week's rainfall. Regardless, we were acutely reminded of the severity of wildfires in recent weeks as blazes in Florida and Georgia blew smoke right into our Lowcountry paradise, creating a smoky, wheezy existence.

It's just a good idea to be mindful of dry conditions before burning yard debris or when attempting smoke out those pesky no-see-ums.

As the summer goes on, the next level of drought conditions include "severe" and "extreme." Let's hope we don't get to those heightened statuses anytime soon, although having extensive days of 100-plus heat indexes certainly can't help the situation.

To try and mitigate the lack of recent rainfall in the region, the Beaufort-Jasper Water Sewer Authority asked our neighbors north of the Broad River out on the sea islands to conserve water by limiting irrigation, taking shorter showers, only washing dishes and clothes when loads are full and reducing general water usage. The most important times to conserve are from 6 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.

And probably the best rule of thumb, "Use common sense. You can probably look around your house and see a variety of ways to conserve."

While the conservation issued by BJSWA is not mandatory, the recommendations issued are good rules to follow regardless of where you live, including right here in Bluffton.

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